Table of Contents

Kenjutsu

Kenjutsu is a skill used by Samurai. It replicates two weapon, single weapon and great weapon though only with Samurai weapons. Has a number of special techniques associated with it.

Designed for a different style of fighting. Quicker, but less effective against heavy armour. Weapons such as the Katana are considered to be light weapons, and Samurai armour is considered to be light armour.

Need stats for Azumi and Bijomaru Mogami.

Skills

Japanese fighting styles, which belong to the Bushido group of skills, are similar to but different to the standard western styles. They tend to apply only to certain weapons, rather than whole classes of weapons.

There is nothing stopping a Samurai from learning single weapon or two weapon skills, and indeed many bandits and ronin will tend to do so since they are easier to learn. However, the Bushido skills are better suited to fighting the way Samurai fight.

Kenjutsu - Fighting with a katana, wakizashi, ninja-to or no-dachi.

Niten - Fighting with both Katana (or ninja-to) and wakizashi.

Iajutsu - Fighting in a ritualised duel.

These skills are considered to be members of the Melee, Armed melee and Bushido skill groups. Western techniques from these groups may be learnt.

Weapons

Weapon

Description

Skills

Katana

Samurai sword

kenjustu, iajutsu, single

Ninja-to

Cheap ninja sword

kenjutsu, iajutsu, single

No-dachi

Big samurai sword

kenjutsu, great

Wakizashi

Small sword

kenjutsu, iajutsu, single

Ono

Large axe

great

Tetsubo

Large hammer

great

Naginata

Spear with blade

longshaft

Yari

Spear

longshaft

Techniques

Techniques represent that the sword styles are quicker, designed against lightly armoured foes. Hit first, and kill in one strike is the general aim of Samurai attacks.

Bushido

Way of the sword (2) - Can use either agility or dexterity for defence. When acting (not declaring) may use agility x kenjutsu (no roll) if attacking using the kenjutsu skill. Automatic.

Strike of serpent (4) - Any free strike has +1 bonus to dex.

Bite of the serpent (6) - Any good attack is considered a Deadly strike.

Lightning attack (8) - Make a second attack.

Defence of steel (10) - Add kenjutsu skill to base target to be hit.

Whirlwind attack (12) - Make an attack against everyone who is attacking you, but hasn't yet this round.

? (15)

Niten

Daisho (4; Way of the Sword) - Add Niten skill to base hit target.

Fast strike (6) - If act before target, swap defence for second attack.